Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

When it comes to tripods, this is one area where you should always choose a well-established brand. I’ve been using Manfrotto tripods for over ten years, and they have never disappointed me. The 055XPROB Pro tripod legs are extremely stable and well-built. Once set up, it feels solid and secure, even with heavier camera gear. The weight is well balanced for this class of tripod — not ultra-lightweight, but that’s exactly why it’s so stable. Of course, there are lighter tripods on the market, but stability always comes with some trade-off. Build quality is excellent, adjustments are smooth, and it performs exactly as a professional tripod should. This is the kind of gear you can rely on for years. If you’re buying a tripod, go with a trusted brand. Manfrotto continues to earn my confidence. Highly recommended.

I have bought many tripods througout the years. Lightweight tripods, a sweet carbon fiber tripod, and several that have proved to be nothing more than junk. In all that time, my favorite go to tripod is this Manfrotto Pro Tripod. It is well designed, looks great, and holds up well with extensive use. I go hiking 2-3 times a month, and use my tripod several times a week outside, I also use it inside some. The benefit of this tripod is, it is built like a tank. It can support your heavy body camera with a heavy telephoto lens. Please note that this tripod is a professional tripod, and as such, they expect you to have your own head. I highly recommend this Head, as it is the most versatile out there, and works perfectly with this tripod. Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N) Recently I went shooting with a friend in the mountains, I had my camera with battery grip hooked up on this tripod and head taking photos of some ice formations, when the wind started blowing hard, my friends tripod flew out from underneath him, causing his camera to drop and break (always wear your neck strap, you use it to protect your camera, its not a fashion statement!) my tripod didn't budge. The only downside to this tripod is the weight, and the fact that it does not come with any carrying device, meaning you need to carry it with your hands (how much would it cost to throw in a cheap bag?) must we have to pay 25 for a strap? 90 for the bag? But I digress. If I had to do it over again, i would always buy this tripod. If it got stolen, or fell off a cliff, there would be no choice. I love this tripod, you cannot go wrong with it, and I highly recommend the head I mentioned above. It will support a heavy camera with a long lens. They also look well together, as if they were designed to be together =). 5 out of 5 ps, another cool feature, is the tripod has "hand warmers" meaning when your out in the cold freezing, the grips do not freeze your hand off, so you can still work with and touch your tripod (but try not to touch the cold metal!). Overall I'm really impressed with this tripod. I do not think you can do better. If your wanting one for the studio, you could use this one as well, it will be harder for little kids to accidentally knock it over. (but can still happen) but it will NOT turn over because of a breeze. I mainly use my on nature hikes and trips. I recommend buying one of the following if you go hiking (I own both) Manfrotto Tripod Bag Padded 80Cm or Manfrotto 3044 CARRYING LONG STRAP - Carrying strap - gray

I was looking at tripods to finally capture those perfect shots on hikes or in the city. I recently decided to buy a Hoya ND400 filter to take long exposures of waterfalls or to capture cloud movement on the trail, and of course you're going to need something steady to mount your camera on. I saw the reviews for the 055XPROB and knew the reputation of Manfrotto, so I decided to give this a go. Additionally I bought the Opteka TW-1 Tomahawk Joystick ball head to use with it (which is an awesome ball head for the price). For your reference, I take my shots with a Canon T3i and a Sigma 10-20mm lens - only about 3.3 pounds of gear. I was drawn to this tripod because of the user reviews, price, and usable height of it (as opposed to foldable height). I'm 6 feet tall and wanted something that was easily functional without bending at all. I figured that I would need at least 65 inches in order to do that, and this has you covered seeing that it extends to 70 inches... but I drastically OVERestimated how much height I really needed. When you take into consideration that most ball heads will add 4 inches to the tripod, and the length between bottom of the camera to the viewfinder is another 3 inches, I really only needed a tripod that extended to 58 inches to be comfortable. Again, this was something that I failed to take into account when looking for a tripod. In addition to the extra height I didn't need, it also came with additional weight. At 5.3 lbs (really, it was 7.1 pounds with aforementioned ball head), I figured this wouldn't be that burdensome to bring along on hikes or in the city, however, it gets heavy quick, especially factoring in a ball head. At first, I thought the weight would be a good thing... weight = stability, and it does, however the trade offs for hikers or city dwellers are too high in my opinion. The tripod is too tall for it to fit in any hiking day pack, and if you leave it popping out the top, it's awkward to carry. I decided to buy a separate tripod carrying case for it, but carting around 7.1 pounds on a single strap got old quickly. I found myself not wanting to bring a tripod out on hikes or in the city anymore, which was the whole reason why I bought it in the first place. Once I figured out what I was really looking for, I realized that it was totally worth getting something more compact and lighter. After much thought, I decided on the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 carbon fiber tripod with a Manfrotto 494RC2 ball head. That combination is literally half the weight of what I was carrying and although it's only a 3.5 pound difference, it's quite noticeable for people on the go. As mentioned earlier, I really like my Opteka Tomahawk ball head and still use it when I'm not running around on the trail; fortunately for me, Manfrotto's RC2 mounting plate is the same as the Opteka Tomahawk's. Translation: I don't have to switch off mounting plates on my camera's body each time I change ball heads, which is incredibly convenient. There were tradeoffs involved with the new combo though - lighter weight makes this more wind prone, and the 190CXPRO4 can only extend to a 48 inch height without the center column extended as opposed to the 55 inch height of the 055XPROB (which makes the 055XPROB's base to be wider, and therefore more stable). However the 190CX has a 25 degree leg angle (as opposed to a 23 degree leg angle of the 055X) to correct for this and still extends to the ideal height of 58 inches for me. It can get a bit top heavy, but if you need to add stability, you can always hook your day pack to the tripod to weigh it down. Additionally, my old combo (055XPROB + Opteka Joystick) was roughly 34 inches tall folded, and again, could not fit in a day pack. The new combo (190CXPRO4 + 494RC2) is only 23 inches tall, easily fitting the the water bladder pouch of my day pack. Another thing to think about even if you're not a hiker or city photographer is its travel ability. You're not likely to fit the 055XPROB in a carry on, but you can with something shorter. Don't get me wrong, when I did use it, it was solid as a rock - it really is a high quality product. My only complaint of the 055XPROB is the cheap plastic wing-nut that locks the center column - there is aluminum everywhere else besides this one critical point. Obviously, my personal bias towards this tripod is its size. When looking for a tripod, be honest in what you are looking for. If you're mainly using this around town or do not plan on taking it with you for long walking trips, then by all means you should get this. However, if you looking to capture neat city shots or landscapes on the trail, look for something lighter and more compact. Really think about what you will be using a tripod for before you buy. Although this is a relatively low cost tripod for the quality you're getting, do not be afraid to spend a little more to get something that's travel friendly. I got my new combo at a heavy discount, but you're really only looking at an extra 60 dollars for something lighter in weight and more compact if you're a deal hunter. Even if you plan on walking with your tripod just a few times, I'd encourage you to look towards something lighter. Hope this review helps you to analyze your purchase a little more.

I have only just received my new 0X55PROB Tripod for which I have also received concurrently, a 808RC4 3-way Pan Head with Quick-Release Plate. I had visited some camera stores and checked out the difference between Carbon Fiber and this aluminum tripod and hey, the aluminum 0X55PROB is light enough. And yes, it is a versatile tripod. Compared to the Vivitar 2250 I purchased in Hong Kong back in 1978, this tripod is not only larger, but more easily adjusted, more adaptable and includes extra features. The Vivitar was by comparison, a cheap toy tripod bought a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. I had done my homework and wanted a tripod that would be sturdy and would comply with a number of wants and needs. 1) It should have independently adjustable legs, but also allow varying spread angles. The legs should allow outdoor setup on uneven surfaces and accommodation to obstacles. 2) The head mount should be reversible, allowing the camera to be mounted below and between the legs, allowing for macro shots close to the ground. 3) The tripod should accommodate different heads, different screw size cameras and attachments and if possible, lighting rigs 4) The tripod should support a reasonably heavy load. The 0X55PROB satisfies all of these wants and needs. The legs are independently adjustable and have spread detentes allowing for four separate spread angles for each leg, including nearly 80 degrees to allow perching across boulders or other obstacles. The mounting/adjustment bar can be reversed so that the camera and head can be positioned low to the ground, between the tripod legs. Further the mounting/adjustment bar can swing out horizontally, allowing downward or upward shots, off-center from the tripod. With the bar horizontal, lighting and additional fixtures can be attached to the opposite end of it. Nice. Now the lamentations ... First, Manfrotto's packing leaves much to be desired. The tripod arrived in a box without cushioning, floating around freely in the box during shipping. It's a wonder I received it without damage and I now understand fully why I have read some people rating Manfrotto products low due to damaged legs and such, recurring even after the replacement is shipped. Some bubble wrap would do wonders, but alas, it was not in the box with the free-floating tripod when received. Second, A hand crank on the mounting/adjustment bar would be nice. With heavy load on top, loosing up the lock to lower or raise the head can result in a surprise! The head will plummet downward under its weight and gravity. Rotating a crank would prevent that surprise. Else, yes, it is easy to adjust ... just maintain a firm grip. As an aside, one might need to have the common sense to realize that with the bar horizontal and extended far off center, the weight of the camera and head load will cause the rig to be unstable to the point of flopping over. This can be countered in a couple ways ... 1) Open the legs up wider to give the tripod a wider support base, 2) Extend the bar in the direction of and directly over one of the legs and 3) provide a counter-balance or other support for the bar. No tripod that I have read about or investigated overcomes this limitation in any other way that what can be done with the 0X55PROB as it comes. None of these lamentations leaves me unhappy with the product. It does after-all fulfill all the wants and needs I had and it did arrive in one piece. :) It's a good tripod and I look forward to putting this puppy to good use.

Bought this to use mainly in nature photography and it has been worth every penny. You can't get much better than this for the price. I bought this to replace a small simple tripod I got for nearly free and have not regretted it. Pros: -nice and tall, I'm 6' and use it fully extended with legs together (as a monopod) when walking and can easily and quickly set up that way. -love the ability to adjust the center column, you can flip it out sideways and get supper close or have it extended over a table top for macro. I have also flipped it upside down for getting great shots super close to a small stream. -independently adjust each leg. This is great for extending the tripod over a small brook, taking shots on a hill, or basically any awkward shot you can't get with the cheapos. -great quality. Very sturdy tripod with strong legs, great rubber feet, and simple and easy to use clamps. - I have had absolutely no problems or complaints about this product and have been using it for over a year Cons -heavy? Some may consider this tripod too large to carry around but for all the positives, I consider it a minor detail. I typically walk a few miles through thick brush when taking pictures but stopping to actually take pictures gives me plenty of breaks. Would I recommend this for a hiking trip? Probably not, but if the purpose of the hike is to take pictures, this would be just great given that most of the time would be spent taking pictures, not simply carrying it. For me, this tripod pros greatly outweigh the weight, which in my opinion isn't bad. Overall, I plan to use this tripod for as long as possible and I'd anything happens to it, I'd be happy to replace it with the same one.

Overview: I bought this tripod for both studio and outdoor use. I didn't feel the need to sacrifice another $300-$400 for a Carbon fiber Gitzo tripod (Gitzo makes the BEST Carbon fiber tripods (Manfrotto makes the BEST aluminum tripods.)) My findings: I found this tripod is great for macro shots as it can go very low to the ground and flip up (to hold the camera over the object). When stretching the legs out using the lock things you must press the lock prior to opening up the tripod. The tripod is not as heavy as expected (continued in usage section) and is very stable. I also found a hook to hold extra weight. Assembly: Manfrotto and Gitzo both are quality products, they are both made and assembled in Italy. The reasons why Carbon Fiber (CF) is expensive and the reasons when to get it: Carbon fiber is not found in nature, it's expensive to make. And it's expensive to form. And there is a high level of wastage. Carbon fiber is extremely light weight so it might be ideal for long hikes/backpacking when you can't leave something unnecessary behind. One thing to keep in mind is that as Carbon fiber tripods are light they might not be the most stable unless you spend about $800+ however this can be overcome quite easily by hanging something (such as a backpack) on the weight hook. Usage: As I noted above I am using this tripod for both studio and outdoor photography including long hikes and backpacking. For backpacking I was quite easily able to eliminate stuff from the pack to make up for the weight of the tripod. For studio use this tripod is perfect it can adjust to essentially any scenario and is comfortable to move around and setup with either a Full Frame SLR with a 500mm lens or a Medium Format camera. All In All: This is a great tripod to get if you don't intend to go on long hikes/backpacking or if you can eliminate 2lbs from your pack to make up for the weight (If you eliminate the weight and add this tripod then your pack will essentially have the extra weight of a Carbon fiber tripod). If you cannot sacrifice some stuff from your pack then a Carbon fiber tripod should be your best bet.

A little background - I've never owned a tripod before. But I decided to pick this one up along with the Manfrotto R498RC ball head (see my review on that as well) since a tripod is always a good tool to have. Purchasing a tripod is obviously no use if it doesn't offer proper stability, and most of the time it costs a lot to get a decent tripod. To those starting out, $150 might seem expensive for just tripod legs, but in the end, your $25 tripod from Best Buy is just not going to cut it. In that sense, I think the 055XPROB is a great value. These tripod legs from Manfrotto are great for starting out IMO - great quality, decent price, and very solid. Overall quality is excellent and everything feels extremely sturdy. The flip locks (which I prefer) feel nice and tight and leg adjustments are very easy. The center column can be adjusted horizontally, great for macro or product photography. The legs itself can be angled outward to almost 180 degrees letting you get down extremely low. Maximum height? I'm about 5' 9" and with the legs fully extended, center column down, it's slightly too tall for me. So with the center column extended, it should be more than enough for anyone over 6'. Loading it with my heaviest setup, the Canon 7D gripped with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, it still feels very sturdy. Everything about this tripod feels like quality. The only downside? Weight, but then you'd have to spend considerably more for a carbon fiber tripod. If you do a lot of hiking and can't bear the extra weight, you better start saving up. If you're going to spend $100+ on another brand, I'd recommend spending a little more to get these proven legs (with a quality head!) Sure there are better tripod systems out there (for a ton more money) but for the average enthusiast I think this Manfrotto is your best bet. Even if you don't think you need the extra weight support, it's always better to go a little overboard. Save yourself the hassle of buying an inferior tripod only to ugprade it and just start off with this one.

Being an amatuer film maker, my purchase of the tripod is a direct result of the need of a smooth tripod head (specifically the Manfrotto 055XPROB also purchased and reviewed). We have a local dealer, but the prices were prohibitive (double what it cost ordering it from Amazon with shipping). It was chosen based on what i had seen at the local dealer and the amazon reviews. Originally, I was looking at a lower end model, but chose against it due to the need for something that would carry a little more load. The intent was to have a tripod that would last me for many years and through a few cameras (both DSLR and video). The tripod is black with three telescopic legs (three staged) which are released with folding tabs. The tightness of the telescopic legs can be adjusted using the supplied tool that is conveniently attached to one of the legs. Each leg swings out at different angles via a lock which controls the leg spread. This is very convenient depending on the floor space available. However, i found that with a large spread, fully extended legs and a heavier camera they flex a little. Manfrotto may consider something that ties the three legs together for support. There are foam pads on two of the legs for cold weather, but being in Saudi Arabia it might still work from burning hands from sun heated metals (alternative marketing idea, LOL?). The camera pole also raises and lowers via a screw lock. One of the nice things about the tripod is the camera pole can be pulled out and set horizontally for overhead shots. I did not know it did this and was pleasantly surprised. The top is a standard Manfrotto base. Packing; It was poorly packed. I think this is mentioned in other reviews and it is true; no cardboard to hold it in the box, not even a single layer of bubble wrap. It clearly bounced around in the box and there is small nick on one of the poles as a result. It was not damaged per se, but rather frustrating for a new product. Quality; Excellent. I am not an expert, but I am extremely impressed. My current Chinese tripod seems like a two year old put it together with sticks from the yard when compared to this. The hardware is top notch and fit & finish is very good. I was concerned about one review stating that threads stripped, but i cannot see how that would happen unless you are tightening it excessively and unecessarily. Everything is held together tightly and the tripod seems that it will last for many years. Usability; The tripod is a tad heavy, warned by some other reviewers. But for the sturdiness it is acceptable. Of course the carbon fiber version would be ideal, but the price was not ideal enough. It is easy to use and reasonably quick to set up. Another thing that was mentioned by other reviewers was the height. It is a tall tripod. However, being 5'7", i found that extending the legs only once and raising the camera pole made it perfect for my height. For film, the ability to be able to film higher than eye level on taller subjects is excellent for that dominating shot. A very attractive and seemingly functional product. I am happy with the choice and highly recommend the product. Happy filming!

This has beem the best tripodci have ever used. Excellent stability even in strong winds and with the heavy setup like canon 7D+Battery Pack + 70-200 F2.8 IS2 this does not even move a mm. A must buy and tripod for the price it is offered at. This can be adjusted in so many positions and you can go very low levels with its height. MUST BUY IT...

Awesome! Heavy to carry but that adds to the stability.

Very good tripod we using tripods from some years but most of the time we shoot hand held because they create pain in mind for attaching camera finding angles. But with this we always shoot on tripod because its easy can find any angle we need.

This is the first tripod that I've ever purchased and I'm extremely satisfied with it. I was debating on whether to buy this model or the slightly cheaper one and I'm glad a spent a little more for the added height. I'm using it mostly for DSLR video and macro photography and love the versatility with the centre arm turned vertically. This feature definitely sold me on this model. It includes a level on the tripod and is built solid. If I need a second tripod, I would definitely purchase another. I also purchased the Manfrotto 804RC2 Basic Pan Tilt Head with Quick Release Plate 200PL-14 - Replaces 3047 (Black) for the head of this tripod and it works great hand-in-hand for taking video.

I got this a long time ago (I don't remember how long ago but it's been 4+ years). Has held up perfect and I definitely have not been gentle with it. Really great for getting a camera setup in those awkward positions. If I ever need another tripod, I would definitely get another one of these.